Source-backed analysis8
Review basis
The AppDuo team prepared this review by analysing product features, official documentation and user feedback to help you understand its strengths, limitations and suitability for your needs.
8 reference sourcesInformation updated Nov 11, 2026
How we review
By AppDuo Editorial Team · Updated
- iOS
- Android
- Web
On this page
Decide at a glance
Our verdict
The 2026 Friendster suits people who want a small social network limited to friends they have met in person, with no ads and no algorithmic feed. The trade-offs are a small network, a 3.4/5 Google Play rating with many bug complaints, and no carry-over of data from the original Friendster.
Best for: Close friends who want to share photos and chat in a closed circle with no strangers
Skip it if: People who want to meet new people, build followers or reach a wide audience
Pros
- No ads and no algorithmic feed; per the developer, friends are added in person and strangers are not suggested
- Includes a feed plus 1:1 and small-group messaging, on iPhone, Android and web
- Commits to not selling user data, and offers in-app account deletion
Cons
- Google Play rates it 3.4/5 from 347 ratings, with reviews citing launch crashes, login problems and broken search
- A small network that relies on in-person adding, so it grows slowly; profile customization is part of Premium
All pros and cons · Who is it for?
Cons
- Friendster Premium has two price points, but the App Store gives no billing period and the support page has no guidance on it
Best for
- People tired of ads and algorithmic feeds on big social networks
Experience & key features
What it is
Friendster was a social network launched in 2002 and shut down in 2015. The 2026 version is published by Friendster Labs Inc.; per the Inquirer, a new developer acquired the domain and trademarks and rebuilt the platform. The app appeared on the App Store in April 2026. Per Pinoy Metro Geek, old accounts, photos and messages are gone, and the new version has no technical link to the original beyond the name and branding.
How it works
Per the App Store and homepage, you add friends by tapping two phones together in person, then share posts, photos and comments and message 1:1 or in small groups. The homepage promises no suggested strangers, ads or algorithmic feed, and the Inquirer notes there is no public follower system. The version 1.0.25 notes mention "People you may know" suggestions when friend search is opened. It is available on iPhone, Android and the web.
Pricing and privacy
The service is free, with a Friendster Premium in-app purchase at two price points, $2.99 and $19.99. Premium arrived in version 1.0.14 (21 June 2026) with a premium username and profile customization; the App Store does not say whether it is a subscription or a one-time purchase. On data, Friendster pledges not to sell user information, though its policy, dated 3 January 2024, allows sharing with service providers and uses Google Analytics.
More analysis
Who it is for
For a small circle of friends wanting a private space, Friendster is a distinct alternative to Instagram or Facebook. For meeting new people, following public content or reaching a large network, the bigger apps remain a better fit. The 3.4/5 Google Play rating and bug reports suggest the app is still maturing.
Screenshots
Plans & pricing
Prices last verified Nov 11, 2026
Free
Free
The terms of service say the services are currently free; the website and Google Play state there are no ads.
Friendster Premium
Contact sales
The App Store lists two "Friendster Premium" in-app purchases, at $2.99 and $19.99, without billing periods. Per the version 1.0.14 notes, Premium adds a premium username and profile customization features.
- Free trial
- No free trial
Cancellation & refunds
The pages consulted state no refund policy for Friendster Premium, and the terms of service do not mention refunds.
Privacy
The homepage states "We do not sell user data. Period." and the privacy policy says Friendster does not sell or share personal information with advertisers or third parties. The policy lists collected data including name, email, username, IP address, user-submitted content and analytics data (Google Analytics is used), and allows sharing with service providers, acquirers and authorities. Users can delete their account in the app under Settings, then Account. Note the policy is dated 3 January 2024, before the 2026 relaunch. The App Store label lists user content, identifiers, usage data and diagnostics as linked to you; Google Play's data safety section says no data is shared with third parties and data is encrypted in transit. The minimum age is 13.
Friendster (2026 relaunch) alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2026 Friendster the same as the old one?
Not really. Per press coverage, the new version was rebuilt by a different developer using the name and branding; old accounts, photos and messages do not carry over.
Is Friendster free?
The app is free and ad-free. The App Store lists Friendster Premium in-app purchases at $2.99 and $19.99, covering a premium username and profile customization, but gives no billing period.
How do you add friends on Friendster?
Per the App Store description, you add friends in person by tapping phones; the homepage says the app does not suggest strangers.
How do I delete my Friendster account?
Per the support page, open Settings, then Account, then Delete account. If you cannot sign in, email [email protected].
Review evidence & sources8
Scores
- Ease of use
- 6.0
- Features
- 5.5
- Value for money
- 7.0
- Performance
- 5.5
- Support
- 5.5
- Privacy & security
- 6.5
Why this score
A simple idea: add friends by tapping phones, then post and message. But Google Play reviews cite login problems (a new account created on each sign-in) and broken friend search, and in-person adding is a hurdle at the start. The interface is English-only.
Why this score
A feed, reactions, comments, 1:1 and small-group messaging, plus profile testimonials (added in 1.0.19). There are no community groups or public content as on larger networks, and profile customization is a Premium feature.
Why this score
The terms say the service is currently free and there are no ads. Friendster Premium ($2.99 and $19.99) only adds a premium username and profile customization, and with no stated billing period its value is hard to compare.
Why this score
Version 1.0.32 (18 Oct 2026) notes faster feed loading. Earlier, August 2026 Google Play reviews cited crashes on launch and a slow feed; the Play rating still stands at 3.4/5.
Why this score
A short support page and the address [email protected]; the page covers only the iPhone app and has no Premium guidance.
Why this score
Commits to not selling data, friends-only network, in-app deletion. Points deducted because the policy is dated January 2024, Google Analytics is used, and the App Store label lists several data types linked to you.
What users say
- App Store (United States)4.1/5 · 48
- Google Play3.4/5 · 347
Sources
- Vendor-providedFriendster official websiteNov 11, 2026
- Vendor-providedFriendster privacy policyNov 11, 2026
- Vendor-providedFriendster terms of serviceNov 11, 2026
- Vendor-providedFriendster support pageNov 11, 2026
- storeApp Store listingNov 11, 2026
- storeGoogle Play listingNov 11, 2026
- pressInquirer Technology (2026-04-30)Nov 11, 2026
- pressPinoy Metro Geek (2026-05-03)Nov 11, 2026
Specs & compatibility
- Developer
- Friendster Labs Inc.
- Headquarters
- United States
- Launched
- 2026
- Category
- Social
Capabilities
- Mobile app
Platforms
- iOS
- Android
- Web
Interface languages
- English
Support
- Help center
Change history
- Feature.Version 1.0.19 adds profile testimonials.
- Price.Version 1.0.14 launches Friendster Premium, with a premium username and profile customization.
- Launch.The Inquirer reports Friendster is back, initially on iPhone only.
Full change history (4)
- Launch.The Friendster app appears on the App Store (release date per Apple's iTunes lookup data).